(L to R, background): Senator John E. Brooks and Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino hosting a Town Hall meeting in Massapequa Park.

Photo by: Office of Senator John E. Brooks.

Long Island, NY - April 6, 2018 - Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino (D-Babylon/Islip/Oyster Bay) announced that she secured $50,000 in funding for YES Community Counseling Center in Massapequa in the 2018-19 state budget.

“When someone is struggling, it is so important that they have access to information and services that can help support them in their time of need,” said Pellegrino. “YES Community Counseling Center reaches out a helping hand to Long Islanders coping with everything from domestic violence to the loss of a loved one. This funding helps ensure that YES can keep doing valuable work to uplift the most vulnerable members of our community.”

YES Community Counseling Center, located on 75 Grand Ave, is a local nonprofit that helps community members in southeastern Nassau County overcome issues that include domestic violence, substance use and addiction, family conflict, domestic violence, sexual abuse, marital/peer difficulties, suicide and loss, bereavement and other problems. The funding that Pellegrino fought for will help the organization expand services and address their growing demand. YES also provides social work services to Massapequa elementary students through their partnership with the schools. Additionally, the organization continues to work tirelessly to address issues related to the nation’s heroin and opioid epidemic. Anyone in need or who may have questions can contact them at 799-3203 or visit their website at www.yesccc.org

YES' Executive Director, Jamie Bogenshutz stated, "Our community members continue to be faced with so many issues. This support and funding allows us to build upon the comprehensive services that our agency is able to provide to those children, families, and adults who struggle with many challenges. The agency is profoundly grateful to be able to provide local, community-based resources for our neighbors who have nowhere to turn. Assemblywoman Pellegrino's leadership and support speak to her commitment to our community. In today's times, knowing that there are elected officials who are sensitive to our unique struggles, combined with a willingness to fiercely advocate for our needs is an extraordinary gift for our organization and those that we seek to serve, as well as for our entire community."